Brethren and Friends all,
We are enjoying a beautiful summer in Ohio. I hope you are taking time to enjoy baseball, auto racing, motorcycling, picnics, camping, or whatever your favorite summer activities may be. Remember to take a minute to check in on your friends and neighbors.
Update your Grand View membership account today! This is a busy time for Lodge Secretaries as they review and confirm your Lodge annual return information. Lodge and member records are checked before the Grand Lodge year end closes on July 31 each year. Remember to thank your Secretary when you see him next. They do a great job keeping our membership and Lodge records in good order.
I want to share a little information about Lodge tax status. Our members have a lot of questions about whether their Lodge is a 501(c)3, 501(c)10, or some other classification. In simplest terms,
a 501(c)3 is a nonprofit charitable organization, not subject to federal tax or state sales tax.
A 501(c)10 is a not-for-profit domestic fraternity, not subject to federal tax but required to pay state sales tax. Ohio Masonic Lodges fall under a 501(c)10 definition. So, when the Lodge makes a purchase for name badges, lodge paraphernalia, or any other taxable items, they are subject to state sales tax. For more information, please review irs.gov/charities or contact your local
tax expert.
August 5, 2024 is the opening day to remit your 2025 Lodge membership dues. Log in to your Grand View member account to pay your dues by credit card (auto renew available if you choose) or send your payment to your Lodge Secretary. By renewing your membership status early, you help us save on program costs by eliminating multiple communications. Remember, yearly membership renewal dues must be remitted on or before your Lodge annual meeting
each November.
As a Mason in Ohio, the Dayton Masonic Center is a beautiful treasure we enjoy as home in the gem city. If you have never visited, you are in for a special treat at GL2024. The 215th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of F&AM of Ohio will be held there on October 18, 2024. Registration is open now. Just go to glohio2024.com to make your meal and hotel reservations. You can also register directly in Grand View by going to My Portal, then Events, and then go to October 18th on the Event Calendar or select the 2024 Annual Communication Reservation tile. Click once, then follow the electronic form. Helpful tip in Grand View - do not use the back button.
It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The office staff is committed to serving you, so please call us at 614-885-5318 or email at gloffice@freemason.com if we can be of
any assistance.
It's a Great Day for Freemasonry!
Keith W. Newton, PGM
Grand Secretary
